Islam

Its law and society

2nd edition

By Jamila Hussain

Jamila Hussain explains the basic principles of the religion of Islam and its law (the Shariah), and how the Shariah is lived in the context of many different cultures throughout the world.

Now in its second edition, this book is ideal for those who wish to acquire an introductory knowledge of Islamic law and culture in general and within Australian society in particular.

The discussion includes:

a brief history of Islamic history and civilisation
the development of Islamic law and how it is applied in modern conditions
the position of women in Islam and the growth of Islamic feminism
family law and inheritance
modern reproductive technology
criminal law and evidence
banking and commercial law
the Australian Muslim community.

A new chapter examines Islamic laws of war and peace, and contemporary rulings on the conduct of Muslims in times of war.

Introduction to Islamic law
A brief survey of Islamic history
Islamic jurisprudence
Islamic laws on war and peace
Women in Islamic law
Marriage in Islamic law
Family life
Divorce
Inheritance, wills and waqf
Contraception, abortion and new medical technology
Islamic criminal law
Evidence in Islamic law
Islamic commercial law
Islamic banking
Islam and Muslims in Australia
Glossary of Arabic terms/ Bibliography/ Index

REVIEWS

The book covers a broad swathe of the legal rules and traditions which affect the Muslim community. The first three chapters, covering an introduction to Islamic law, history and jurisprudence, provide a useful foundation for readers unfamiliar with Islam. Thereafter, there are more detailed chapters dealing with Islamic laws on war and peace, the role of women, marriage and divorce, inheritance and wills, as well as more recent issues such as new medical technology and Islamic banking. There are also interesting chapters on Islamic commercial law and a concluding chapter on Muslims in Australia. A useful glossary of Arabic terms appears at the end of the book. …

One of the subtler points which runs throughout the book [is] that there is not one universal interpretation of Islamic law held by Muslims worldwide. …

Generally, I found the book to be informative, fair and quite open in its treatment of sensitive questions, such as the right of Muslim men in traditional Islamic society to have up to four wives simultaneously, is clear and pointed. Such openness is laudable …

Dr Benny Tabalujan, Law Institute Journal (Victoria), September 2004

Jamila Hussain’s book explores many aspects of life and law under Islam including war and peace, marriage, divorce, inheritance, criminal law and commercial law. In each of these areas, the tension between modern and traditional interpretation’s of the Prophet’s teachings is evident. Present-day Islamic nations reflect the differing approaches to life under Islam with Saudi Arabia positioned at the fundamentalist extreme, while Indonesia reflects a more moderate approach.

In each of the areas of law and society she examines, Hussain gives examples of the different approaches and makes it clear that the life experiences of an Islamic person, and more particularly and significantly, an Islamic woman, varies enormously across the globe. …

Hussain says “I believe strongly that ignorance is the cause of most bigotry and hatred and wrote the book to try to give mainstream Australians some knowledge, and hopefully a better understanding, of the Islamic aspects of the cultures of Australia’s closest neighbours to the north.” Readers of Jamila Hussain’s book will effectively gain that knowledge and understanding.

Judge Sarah Bradley, The Queensland Lawyer, December 2004

It addresses a number of commonly held misconceptions … It is interesting reading and a thorough introduction for people who want to know more about Islam.

Educational Book Review (India), January-February 2004

EXTRACTS

Islamic Laws on War and Peace

This is Chapter 4 of Islam - Its Law and Society 2nd edition. It is provided free to download and our hope is that it contributes positively to the debate on Islam and terrorism, much of which is uninformed.

This extract is in PDF Format see below for instructions regarding PDF.

Islamic Laws on War and Peace

PDF FILES

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Published December 2003
Publisher The Federation Press
Paperback/256pp
ISBN 9781862874992
Australian RRP $39.95
Direct Price $38.00
International Price $38.00
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